St Mary's School "impossible to run" say governors

THE only all girl's school in Worcester has announced it will be closing at the end of the school year.

After 80 years in the city, St Mary's School will close its doors and all its students will have to find another education provider from September.

According to Andrew Cleary, chairman of the governors, who told staff members during a meeting earlier this evening just before parents of children who attend the single-sex school, it had become impossible to run the school.

He said: "As a St Mary's parent myself, this is a very sad day for all the families who have girls at the school and for our wider community of former pupils and staff, many whom loved their time here."

He added that the recession had also had a negative effect as well as it becoming very difficult to bring new girls into the school.

Any students that had got places to start in the autumn term will have to find new schools along with about 270 pupils that already attended the Battenhall Avenue independent school.

RGS Worcester, which found places for the students at the former Alice Ottley School in 2007, will be offering places across its other schools in the area, including The Grange and Springfield, to displaced students but will not be able to offer the all girls environment the Catholic school has been providing.

The nearest all girls independent school is Dodderhill School in Droitwich, but it only takes girls up to the age of 16 and not 18 like St Mary's, which offered education from nursery right through to the end of sixth form.

It was also announced that there would be redundancies for both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Governors said they would help find new positions for the staff elsewhere, however, finding places for pupils would be more difficult because of the nature of the other independent schools nearby.

In its last inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in September 2013, St Mary's ranked 'good' for it's pupils achievement and development.

Also in the report it was stated that the school did not meet all requirements of the Independent School Standards Regulations 2010, and was required to put in to place all appropriate safeguarding arrangements and to make sure the arrangements had due regard to the guidance issued by the secretary of state.

Very sad to hear this - it is a great school with excellent teachers offering a very special education. It must be wretched for the pupils - hope they and the teachers get settled elsewhere soon.

Very sad to hear this - it is a great school with excellent teachers offering a very special education. It must be wretched for the pupils - hope they and the teachers get settled elsewhere soon.wedgwoodpound

Very sad when such a small caring school closes. My granddaughter has had a wonderful start to her education from the excellent staff in the early years setting. Her parents are devastated as will be other parents, pupils and staff. My thoughts and best wishes are with everyone at the school.

Very sad when such a small caring school closes. My granddaughter has had a wonderful start to her education from the excellent staff in the early years setting. Her parents are devastated as will be other parents, pupils and staff. My thoughts and best wishes are with everyone at the school.Rememberme

My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.

My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.ACBLive

@JamesLee The nursery is closing with the rest of the school. Very sad because my son is very happy there.

The chairman of the trustees said the plan is to keep it open until the end of August, when it will close with the rest of the school.

@JamesLee The nursery is closing with the rest of the school. Very sad because my son is very happy there.
The chairman of the trustees said the plan is to keep it open until the end of August, when it will close with the rest of the school.alexmace

Hi, as an ex pupil and with my niece currently @ st Marys this is such sad.news.It is a wonderful school and I am sure like most, I appreciate now how lucky i was to attend and what a great education it gave me. Thank you ! Ps @thesquirrel, mayb you can put youethe showes of a 15 year old about to take her GCSEs who has to change schools andmake new friends.

Hi, as an ex pupil and with my niece currently @ st Marys this is such sad.news.It is a wonderful school and I am sure like most, I appreciate now how lucky i was to attend and what a great education it gave me. Thank you ! Ps @thesquirrel, mayb you can put youethe showes of a 15 year old about to take her GCSEs who has to change schools andmake new friends.clazza1

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

One of the reasons (amongst many) for insufficient income was the amount and size of bursaries to enable girls to have an independent education who would otherwise not have one.

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]One of the reasons (amongst many) for insufficient income was the amount and size of bursaries to enable girls to have an independent education who would otherwise not have one.Reluctant Voice

As someone who lived in the arear and a parent whose offspring attended other schools, it was widely known that this school had an excellent record of acheivement and whose pupils were always a credit to the school uniform. The closure is Such sad news, and will leave a huge hole in Worcesters education.

As someone who lived in the arear and a parent whose offspring attended other schools, it was widely known that this school had an excellent record of acheivement and whose pupils were always a credit to the school uniform. The closure is Such sad news, and will leave a huge hole in Worcesters education.Jabbadad

Sign of the times I am afraid, Alice Ottley girls School became unsustainable some years ago and was only "rescued" by becoming absorbed into RGS Worcester. St Marys has been existing on the margins for some years.

Sign of the times I am afraid, Alice Ottley girls School became unsustainable some years ago and was only "rescued" by becoming absorbed into RGS Worcester. St Marys has been existing on the margins for some years.magpieboy

What a sad time St Marys was a fantastic school which my daughter attended. The ethos was second to none and she made good friends excelled in her education. All the teachers were fantastic what a sad time for present pupils.

What a sad time St Marys was a fantastic school which my daughter attended. The ethos was second to none and she made good friends excelled in her education. All the teachers were fantastic what a sad time for present pupils.dancer1234

Cazzz1 wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?

Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!!

[quote][p][bold]Cazzz1[/bold] wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?[/p][/quote]Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!!I'm_not_bitter

I go to this school but am leaving in September as I was a Yr 11. Been there for 5 years. Can't believe it's closing down after 80 years - such a brilliant school which has excellent teachers and I hope I can make them proud with my GCSE results in August :(

I go to this school but am leaving in September as I was a Yr 11. Been there for 5 years. Can't believe it's closing down after 80 years - such a brilliant school which has excellent teachers and I hope I can make them proud with my GCSE results in August :(Sobiah xox

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

There is always one.

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]There is always one.High Time

Cazzz1 wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?

Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!!

That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street

[quote][p][bold]I'm_not_bitter[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Cazzz1[/bold] wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?[/p][/quote]Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!![/p][/quote]That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private streetTime vans

This news is so devastating, it still hasn't sunk in. I went to St Mary's for 15 years and my sister is in year 8 at the moment and has also been there since 2 years old. Despite any opinions some people might have it is without doubt the most unique school in Worcester, with the most amazing ethos, staff, pupils and I feel honoured and privileged to have gone there. It's so devastating and I know for a fact the girls and staff are in a state of despair and disbelief. Worcester will have a huge hole in it from September and no matter where the girls go there will never be another school like St Mary's.
Every girl is a credit to the uniform and reputation and will forever be a St Mary's girl. St Mary's, you have my heart forever.

This news is so devastating, it still hasn't sunk in. I went to St Mary's for 15 years and my sister is in year 8 at the moment and has also been there since 2 years old. Despite any opinions some people might have it is without doubt the most unique school in Worcester, with the most amazing ethos, staff, pupils and I feel honoured and privileged to have gone there. It's so devastating and I know for a fact the girls and staff are in a state of despair and disbelief. Worcester will have a huge hole in it from September and no matter where the girls go there will never be another school like St Mary's.
Every girl is a credit to the uniform and reputation and will forever be a St Mary's girl. St Mary's, you have my heart forever.Shinshad92

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

If you don't have anything constructive to day then say nothing....... Staff and parents are going through a really diff use time!!'

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]If you don't have anything constructive to day then say nothing....... Staff and parents are going through a really diff use time!!'Kezer16

Our child has thoroughly enjoyed all her time in the in the Prep and Middle school and has been so well supported to excel in things she enjoys and has a talent for. I guess only parents who have experienced St Marys understand why it offered something so unique for their girls. As I am writing this I have received a text from my daughter telling me how terrible the atmosphere is there today, many teachers and students are breaking down. All in the year they have celebrated ther 80th anniversary and what a sad last 2 weeks of term left for them.

Our child has thoroughly enjoyed all her time in the in the Prep and Middle school and has been so well supported to excel in things she enjoys and has a talent for. I guess only parents who have experienced St Marys understand why it offered something so unique for their girls. As I am writing this I have received a text from my daughter telling me how terrible the atmosphere is there today, many teachers and students are breaking down. All in the year they have celebrated ther 80th anniversary and what a sad last 2 weeks of term left for them.Hopdemon

I was an ex girl. My daughter is a pupil! Surely if so many of us are this devastated there's something we can do? My newsfeeds are full of SINE MACULA. I want to at least try and stop this before I accept it. If I have to see my beloved school close. My daughters school close, I will at least send it out with the proper thanks it deserves!

****

I was an ex girl. My daughter is a pupil! Surely if so many of us are this devastated there's something we can do? My newsfeeds are full of SINE MACULA. I want to at least try and stop this before I accept it. If I have to see my beloved school close. My daughters school close, I will at least send it out with the proper thanks it deserves!
****charmedagain01

I went to St Mary's in 1984 . The school had set me on my pathway to life itself. Its a real shame to see the only girls school in Worcester close. We always had such great banter between AO as Kings do with RGS . Its a very sad day for Worcester indeed . Good luck to everyone trying to find a school .

I went to St Mary's in 1984 . The school had set me on my pathway to life itself. Its a real shame to see the only girls school in Worcester close. We always had such great banter between AO as Kings do with RGS . Its a very sad day for Worcester indeed . Good luck to everyone trying to find a school .Britt Coley

As an Old GIrl of St Mary's, with a sister still currently at the school, I was very sad to learn yesterday of plans for its closure. The open and friendly atmosphere, the 'family' feel created by the small class sizes, not to mention the excellent teaching I received there, contributed towards making every minute of my time at St Mary's immensely happy and fulfilling.
However, whilst this news has been labelled by some here as "devastating", I would say this is a little melodramatic. It is no secret that for several years now the school has unfortunately struggled to maintain, let alone to boost, pupil numbers, and so, inevitably, their financial situation has consistently worsened. We must be pragmatic about the situation: it appears the Trustees have done their utmost to attempt to 'save' the school, but ultimately were left with only one option. Closure now, at a sensible and appropriate juncture in the school year, although deeply upsetting for some, at least allows parents and girls the opportunity to find places elsewhere over the summer months.
On a final note - St Mary's was a truly wonderful centre of education, where every girl was cherished for who she was and allowed to flourish as a unique individual. I am proud to say I attended such a school; I met some of my best friends and the most inspirational teachers there, and will forever remain a St Mary's Girl. Hail Sine Macula!

As an Old GIrl of St Mary's, with a sister still currently at the school, I was very sad to learn yesterday of plans for its closure. The open and friendly atmosphere, the 'family' feel created by the small class sizes, not to mention the excellent teaching I received there, contributed towards making every minute of my time at St Mary's immensely happy and fulfilling.
However, whilst this news has been labelled by some here as "devastating", I would say this is a little melodramatic. It is no secret that for several years now the school has unfortunately struggled to maintain, let alone to boost, pupil numbers, and so, inevitably, their financial situation has consistently worsened. We must be pragmatic about the situation: it appears the Trustees have done their utmost to attempt to 'save' the school, but ultimately were left with only one option. Closure now, at a sensible and appropriate juncture in the school year, although deeply upsetting for some, at least allows parents and girls the opportunity to find places elsewhere over the summer months.
On a final note - St Mary's was a truly wonderful centre of education, where every girl was cherished for who she was and allowed to flourish as a unique individual. I am proud to say I attended such a school; I met some of my best friends and the most inspirational teachers there, and will forever remain a St Mary's Girl. Hail Sine Macula!GraceC94

So thesquirrel speaks with the usual nastiness that we expect from people like him or her. My daughter spent 15 years of her life at St Mary's. It cost us a fortune. We gave up much to afford it. Almost every family in her year made similar sacrifices. They were all from ordinary families who chose to educate their daughters privately by giving up holidays, booze and whatever you spend your income on. Oh yes and we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to School too. St Mary's was a special place and will be fondly remembered. BTW the buildings were not owned by the School and yes the road is private

So thesquirrel speaks with the usual nastiness that we expect from people like him or her. My daughter spent 15 years of her life at St Mary's. It cost us a fortune. We gave up much to afford it. Almost every family in her year made similar sacrifices. They were all from ordinary families who chose to educate their daughters privately by giving up holidays, booze and whatever you spend your income on. Oh yes and we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to School too. St Mary's was a special place and will be fondly remembered. BTW the buildings were not owned by the School and yes the road is privateSt Mary's Dad

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

If that is really the only thing you can say about this, then maybe you should keep your mouth firmly closed next time. These families have been given only a few weeks notice to organise new school places for next year, and it will not be easy for them at all. You are an ignorant little person with nothing better to do than sit on the internet all day casting out insults, and quite frankly, your attitude is disgraceful.

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]If that is really the only thing you can say about this, then maybe you should keep your mouth firmly closed next time. These families have been given only a few weeks notice to organise new school places for next year, and it will not be easy for them at all. You are an ignorant little person with nothing better to do than sit on the internet all day casting out insults, and quite frankly, your attitude is disgraceful.EB Jones

Both my daughters attended this wonderful school. The care, love and kindness exhibited was always in addition to the excellent education. They made friends for life. This is such a sad day for all who have attended and love the school. It is also such a despairing day for the staff and children attending now. Let us hope that help and support comes quickly for the staff , pupils and parents from RGS and Kings and other local schools..

Both my daughters attended this wonderful school. The care, love and kindness exhibited was always in addition to the excellent education. They made friends for life. This is such a sad day for all who have attended and love the school. It is also such a despairing day for the staff and children attending now. Let us hope that help and support comes quickly for the staff , pupils and parents from RGS and Kings and other local schools..newike

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

There is always one.

i second that that is now two

[quote][p][bold]High Time[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]There is always one.[/p][/quote]i second that that is now twogmoore1207

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

Oh it hasn't taken long for the politics of envy. Perhaps we should all wear the same clothes, drive the same cars, eat the same food.

As parents we still pay to support - if not subsidize- the local comprehensive through our taxes for places we don't take up.

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]Oh it hasn't taken long for the politics of envy. Perhaps we should all wear the same clothes, drive the same cars, eat the same food.
As parents we still pay to support - if not subsidize- the local comprehensive through our taxes for places we don't take up.pete

The Squirrel was probably among the gang of kids who used to nick our boaters and throw them under the bus wheels.
My 1980s memories of the convent are mixed - I don't think the senior school teachers (a mix of nuns and lay staff in those days) helped me reach my full potential academically, but my infant and middle school years were magical. I cannot fault it for pastoral care, to us and the homeless the nuns used to feed after school, and I am sad to see it go.

The Squirrel was probably among the gang of kids who used to nick our boaters and throw them under the bus wheels.
My 1980s memories of the convent are mixed - I don't think the senior school teachers (a mix of nuns and lay staff in those days) helped me reach my full potential academically, but my infant and middle school years were magical. I cannot fault it for pastoral care, to us and the homeless the nuns used to feed after school, and I am sad to see it go.Mrs W.

GraceC94 is spot on as to the reason for this School's demise. MJI is wrong - the AO did NOT "merge" with WRGS it was absorbed into it before going bust. The former AO had talks with Kings before WRGS baled the school out.

GraceC94 is spot on as to the reason for this School's demise. MJI is wrong - the AO did NOT "merge" with WRGS it was absorbed into it before going bust. The former AO had talks with Kings before WRGS baled the school out.magpieboy

Britt Coley wrote:
Please let old girls come to the last assembly it would be grate to sing the school hymn for on least time

Ah that's what you pay for - grammar and spelling of that quality.

[quote][p][bold]Britt Coley[/bold] wrote:
Please let old girls come to the last assembly it would be grate to sing the school hymn for on least time[/p][/quote]Ah that's what you pay for - grammar and spelling of that quality.pete

Must say I expected this article to provoke many more distasteful gloating comments such as that from "the sqirrel" - personally I have every sympathy for the students, parents and staff who are going to be adversely affected by the closure of a very fine school.

Must say I expected this article to provoke many more distasteful gloating comments such as that from "the sqirrel" - personally I have every sympathy for the students, parents and staff who are going to be adversely affected by the closure of a very fine school.Doogie 46

Britt Coley wrote:
Please let old girls come to the last assembly it would be grate to sing the school hymn for on least time

Ah that's what you pay for - grammar and spelling of that quality.

Yep, still trying to work out what clazza1 was trying to say in her comment...

[quote][p][bold]pete[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Britt Coley[/bold] wrote:
Please let old girls come to the last assembly it would be grate to sing the school hymn for on least time[/p][/quote]Ah that's what you pay for - grammar and spelling of that quality.[/p][/quote]Yep, still trying to work out what clazza1 was trying to say in her comment...CJH

thesquirrel wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.

why do you pick on children , why don't you try an d join the grownups and explain your prejudices; or haven't you got the bottle for that?

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
Look on the bright side, at least little Edith and Hatty will likely be moved to another public school and won't have to slum it out at the local comprehensive with the rest of us.[/p][/quote]why do you pick on children , why don't you try an d join the grownups and explain your prejudices; or haven't you got the bottle for that?liketoknow

If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.

What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.

That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to "prove" themselves.

If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.
What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.
That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to "prove" themselves.pinkfluff

Please can we all remember that there are staff who will be out of a job.
People who work in the nursery for example, who are Fantastic, putting so much effort and kindness into the day. I say a very BIG thank you for all your kindness and efforts.
So think of the bigger picture, what sadness is effecting a lot of people.
Shame on you if you have so little compassion that you feel like
thesquirrel

Please can we all remember that there are staff who will be out of a job.
People who work in the nursery for example, who are Fantastic, putting so much effort and kindness into the day. I say a very BIG thank you for all your kindness and efforts.
So think of the bigger picture, what sadness is effecting a lot of people.
Shame on you if you have so little compassion that you feel like
thesquirrelF1 Dave

For those of you who are not regular contributers here "the squirrel" likes to wind people up with his 'radical' remarks. I think it's because he can't remember where he left his nuts and he gets frustrated... ;-)

For those of you who are not regular contributers here "the squirrel" likes to wind people up with his 'radical' remarks. I think it's because he can't remember where he left his nuts and he gets frustrated... ;-)CJH

ACBLive wrote:
My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.

Really ? That is not the experience of most former pupils and staff. GCSE and A level results went down year on year under her "leadership" and she treated her staff very poorly. It is also worth noting that she was not a qualified teacher, but led everyone to believe that she was. I am sure I speak for many when I say that working for her was one of the most uninspiring experiences of my life.

[quote][p][bold]ACBLive[/bold] wrote:
My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.[/p][/quote]Really ? That is not the experience of most former pupils and staff. GCSE and A level results went down year on year under her "leadership" and she treated her staff very poorly. It is also worth noting that she was not a qualified teacher, but led everyone to believe that she was. I am sure I speak for many when I say that working for her was one of the most uninspiring experiences of my life.A teacher

Yes St Mary's is a girls school. But it also has girls AND boys in the nursery in the Stables Department. They take from as young as 3 months old up to the age of starting school! Everyone seems to fail to mention this in the articles and stories as well as it was never mentioned once at the meeting Monday! These parents too have to find alternative childcare at very short notice to match up to the high standards of care which has been provided by all the lovely staff in The Stables. A girls GCSE education is important yes...just as much so as a little one who learns to walk and talk!! It is a sad time for The Stables children, staff and parents too. It's a shame that even at this sad time, the nursery STILL goes unnoticed and pushed aside!!

Yes St Mary's is a girls school. But it also has girls AND boys in the nursery in the Stables Department. They take from as young as 3 months old up to the age of starting school! Everyone seems to fail to mention this in the articles and stories as well as it was never mentioned once at the meeting Monday! These parents too have to find alternative childcare at very short notice to match up to the high standards of care which has been provided by all the lovely staff in The Stables. A girls GCSE education is important yes...just as much so as a little one who learns to walk and talk!! It is a sad time for The Stables children, staff and parents too. It's a shame that even at this sad time, the nursery STILL goes unnoticed and pushed aside!!littlemiss879

The point is, when you buy a private or independent education what you're buying first and foremost is privilege. These children will likely enjoy professions in medicine, politics, sport, acting, law and the music industry that will be out of the reach of ordinary folk.

That privilege that you bought at St Mary's, well it's available elsewhere at a similar price. Fact. A local provider, RGS has already offered to take the children.

Private schools produce confident, well-rounded children and I have no doubt they will take the disruption on the chin and continue to thrive elsewhere.

The point is, when you buy a private or independent education what you're buying first and foremost is privilege. These children will likely enjoy professions in medicine, politics, sport, acting, law and the music industry that will be out of the reach of ordinary folk.
That privilege that you bought at St Mary's, well it's available elsewhere at a similar price. Fact. A local provider, RGS has already offered to take the children.
Private schools produce confident, well-rounded children and I have no doubt they will take the disruption on the chin and continue to thrive elsewhere.thesquirrel

CJH wrote:
For those of you who are not regular contributers here &quot;the squirrel" likes to wind people up with his 'radical' remarks. I think it's because he can't remember where he left his nuts and he gets frustrated... ;-)

I. don't think he as got any nuts. that's the problem

[quote][p][bold]CJH[/bold] wrote:
For those of you who are not regular contributers here "the squirrel" likes to wind people up with his 'radical' remarks. I think it's because he can't remember where he left his nuts and he gets frustrated... ;-)[/p][/quote]I. don't think he as got any nuts. that's the problemliketoknow

St Mary's Dad wrote:
So thesquirrel speaks with the usual nastiness that we expect from people like him or her. My daughter spent 15 years of her life at St Mary's. It cost us a fortune. We gave up much to afford it. Almost every family in her year made similar sacrifices. They were all from ordinary families who chose to educate their daughters privately by giving up holidays, booze and whatever you spend your income on. Oh yes and we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to School too. St Mary's was a special place and will be fondly remembered. BTW the buildings were not owned by the School and yes the road is private

Wow. What a spiteful tone there is in your post (getting down in the dirt with squirrel doesn't make you clean.) If you honestly think that the average family could send their child/children to private school if they gave up "holidays, booze" etc then you are totally and utterly deluded. The majority cannot afford to send their kids to private schools and they also don't have holidays and don't spend their wages on booze. Food Banks are up over 100%- one has just opened in Pershore. The middle classes are also visiting them. Try reading something other than the Daily Mail.

"we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to school" --
What a redundant and offensive thing to say. What proportion of your taxes do you think funds ONE child to go to a state school?
I can only hope that your daughter is better educated than you.

Aside from that, it is very sad to hear that this obviously beloved Worcester school is closing. I feel for the girls (parents and teachers) who have now been placed in a precarious and worrying position. I do hope that their education is not interrupted to the extent that it has an effect on their achievement levels. Good luck to all involved.

[quote][p][bold]St Mary's Dad[/bold] wrote:
So thesquirrel speaks with the usual nastiness that we expect from people like him or her. My daughter spent 15 years of her life at St Mary's. It cost us a fortune. We gave up much to afford it. Almost every family in her year made similar sacrifices. They were all from ordinary families who chose to educate their daughters privately by giving up holidays, booze and whatever you spend your income on. Oh yes and we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to School too. St Mary's was a special place and will be fondly remembered. BTW the buildings were not owned by the School and yes the road is private[/p][/quote]Wow. What a spiteful tone there is in your post (getting down in the dirt with squirrel doesn't make you clean.) If you honestly think that the average family could send their child/children to private school if they gave up "holidays, booze" etc then you are totally and utterly deluded. The majority cannot afford to send their kids to private schools and they also don't have holidays and don't spend their wages on booze. Food Banks are up over 100%- one has just opened in Pershore. The middle classes are also visiting them. Try reading something other than the Daily Mail.
"we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to school" --
What a redundant and offensive thing to say. What proportion of your taxes do you think funds ONE child to go to a state school?
I can only hope that your daughter is better educated than you.
Aside from that, it is very sad to hear that this obviously beloved Worcester school is closing. I feel for the girls (parents and teachers) who have now been placed in a precarious and worrying position. I do hope that their education is not interrupted to the extent that it has an effect on their achievement levels. Good luck to all involved.mistercatesby

St Mary's Dad wrote:
So thesquirrel speaks with the usual nastiness that we expect from people like him or her. My daughter spent 15 years of her life at St Mary's. It cost us a fortune. We gave up much to afford it. Almost every family in her year made similar sacrifices. They were all from ordinary families who chose to educate their daughters privately by giving up holidays, booze and whatever you spend your income on. Oh yes and we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to School too. St Mary's was a special place and will be fondly remembered. BTW the buildings were not owned by the School and yes the road is private

Wow. What a spiteful tone there is in your post (getting down in the dirt with squirrel doesn't make you clean.) If you honestly think that the average family could send their child/children to private school if they gave up &quot;holidays, booze" etc then you are totally and utterly deluded. The majority cannot afford to send their kids to private schools and they also don't have holidays and don't spend their wages on booze. Food Banks are up over 100%- one has just opened in Pershore. The middle classes are also visiting them. Try reading something other than the Daily Mail.

"we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to school" --
What a redundant and offensive thing to say. What proportion of your taxes do you think funds ONE child to go to a state school?
I can only hope that your daughter is better educated than you.

Aside from that, it is very sad to hear that this obviously beloved Worcester school is closing. I feel for the girls (parents and teachers) who have now been placed in a precarious and worrying position. I do hope that their education is not interrupted to the extent that it has an effect on their achievement levels. Good luck to all involved.

Not just the girls....there are boys and girls from 3 months to 5 years in the nursery also having to look else where :(

[quote][p][bold]mistercatesby[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]St Mary's Dad[/bold] wrote:
So thesquirrel speaks with the usual nastiness that we expect from people like him or her. My daughter spent 15 years of her life at St Mary's. It cost us a fortune. We gave up much to afford it. Almost every family in her year made similar sacrifices. They were all from ordinary families who chose to educate their daughters privately by giving up holidays, booze and whatever you spend your income on. Oh yes and we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to School too. St Mary's was a special place and will be fondly remembered. BTW the buildings were not owned by the School and yes the road is private[/p][/quote]Wow. What a spiteful tone there is in your post (getting down in the dirt with squirrel doesn't make you clean.) If you honestly think that the average family could send their child/children to private school if they gave up "holidays, booze" etc then you are totally and utterly deluded. The majority cannot afford to send their kids to private schools and they also don't have holidays and don't spend their wages on booze. Food Banks are up over 100%- one has just opened in Pershore. The middle classes are also visiting them. Try reading something other than the Daily Mail.
"we paid our taxes too so that your baby squirrels could go to school" --
What a redundant and offensive thing to say. What proportion of your taxes do you think funds ONE child to go to a state school?
I can only hope that your daughter is better educated than you.
Aside from that, it is very sad to hear that this obviously beloved Worcester school is closing. I feel for the girls (parents and teachers) who have now been placed in a precarious and worrying position. I do hope that their education is not interrupted to the extent that it has an effect on their achievement levels. Good luck to all involved.[/p][/quote]Not just the girls....there are boys and girls from 3 months to 5 years in the nursery also having to look else where :(littlemiss879

Rememberme wrote:
Very sad when such a small caring school closes. My granddaughter has had a wonderful start to her education from the excellent staff in the early years setting. Her parents are devastated as will be other parents, pupils and staff. My thoughts and best wishes are with everyone at the school.

Nice to see the nursery recognised. After all, it did feed girls through to the school.

[quote][p][bold]Rememberme[/bold] wrote:
Very sad when such a small caring school closes. My granddaughter has had a wonderful start to her education from the excellent staff in the early years setting. Her parents are devastated as will be other parents, pupils and staff. My thoughts and best wishes are with everyone at the school.[/p][/quote]Nice to see the nursery recognised. After all, it did feed girls through to the school.littlemiss879

pinkfluff wrote:
If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.

What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.

That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to &quot;prove" themselves.

What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better.

[quote][p][bold]pinkfluff[/bold] wrote:
If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.
What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.
That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to "prove" themselves.[/p][/quote]What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better.Omicron

pinkfluff wrote:
If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.

What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.

That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to &quot;prove" themselves.

What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better.

Do you mean like David Cameron? Anyone know if Andy Coulson was educated at a private school?

[quote][p][bold]Omicron[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]pinkfluff[/bold] wrote:
If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.
What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.
That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to "prove" themselves.[/p][/quote]What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better.[/p][/quote]Do you mean like David Cameron? Anyone know if Andy Coulson was educated at a private school?CJH

thesquirrel wrote:
The point is, when you buy a private or independent education what you're buying first and foremost is privilege. These children will likely enjoy professions in medicine, politics, sport, acting, law and the music industry that will be out of the reach of ordinary folk.

That privilege that you bought at St Mary's, well it's available elsewhere at a similar price. Fact. A local provider, RGS has already offered to take the children.

Private schools produce confident, well-rounded children and I have no doubt they will take the disruption on the chin and continue to thrive elsewhere.

You may well have a point but this is a girls school. Its different for girls.

[quote][p][bold]thesquirrel[/bold] wrote:
The point is, when you buy a private or independent education what you're buying first and foremost is privilege. These children will likely enjoy professions in medicine, politics, sport, acting, law and the music industry that will be out of the reach of ordinary folk.
That privilege that you bought at St Mary's, well it's available elsewhere at a similar price. Fact. A local provider, RGS has already offered to take the children.
Private schools produce confident, well-rounded children and I have no doubt they will take the disruption on the chin and continue to thrive elsewhere.[/p][/quote]You may well have a point but this is a girls school. Its different for girls.pinkfluff

"What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better."

You are confusing confidence with the expectation of privilege.

"What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better."
You are confusing confidence with the expectation of privilege.mistercatesby

Don't know about Andy Coulston's education but he and his family will be looked aftre for the rest of his career for being a PATS'Y for Rebecca so that she and Cameron can continue their horse riding trysts again. Don't know what they see about Rebecca, yes she is attractive but not a beauty, so what can it Beeeeeee ??????

Don't know about Andy Coulston's education but he and his family will be looked aftre for the rest of his career for being a PATS'Y for Rebecca so that she and Cameron can continue their horse riding trysts again. Don't know what they see about Rebecca, yes she is attractive but not a beauty, so what can it Beeeeeee ??????Jabbadad

ACBLive wrote:
My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.

Really ? That is not the experience of most former pupils and staff. GCSE and A level results went down year on year under her &quot;leadership" and she treated her staff very poorly. It is also worth noting that she was not a qualified teacher, but led everyone to believe that she was. I am sure I speak for many when I say that working for her was one of the most uninspiring experiences of my life.

As an ex employee of St Marys I too was bullied by her and eventually left a job I enjoyed because of her constant bullying! The Bursar at that time was no angel either!! She too was a bully to staff she felt threatened by. I was paid off by them in the end to keep quiet.

[quote][p][bold]A teacher[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]ACBLive[/bold] wrote:
My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.[/p][/quote]Really ? That is not the experience of most former pupils and staff. GCSE and A level results went down year on year under her "leadership" and she treated her staff very poorly. It is also worth noting that she was not a qualified teacher, but led everyone to believe that she was. I am sure I speak for many when I say that working for her was one of the most uninspiring experiences of my life.[/p][/quote]As an ex employee of St Marys I too was bullied by her and eventually left a job I enjoyed because of her constant bullying! The Bursar at that time was no angel either!! She too was a bully to staff she felt threatened by. I was paid off by them in the end to keep quiet.Tuxedolady

pinkfluff wrote:
If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.

What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.

That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to &quot;prove" themselves.

What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better.

Thanks but what I need is food, water, clothing and shelter. I like others think there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, add a big dollop of entitlement and you end up with the Osbourne's and Cameron's of the world. Isn't it time that independent schools share the good practise of inspiring pupils or is it a secret?

[quote][p][bold]Omicron[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]pinkfluff[/bold] wrote:
If parents want to pay for education that is fine, it's lovely to be able to have choices in life.
What I don't agree with is that the people who do access this kind of education manage to get the highest paid jobs regardless of capability or results.
That said it's because it's a boys club so does not include the girls. Women tend to have to work much harder than their male colleagues as they have to "prove" themselves.[/p][/quote]What you need to realise pinkfluff is that independent schools are very good at something that state schools aren't - that is they are able to inspire pupils to be confident in themselves and it is this confidence that gives them the edge later in life, particularly when applying for high paid jobs, even though their actual education and qualifications may not be any better.[/p][/quote]Thanks but what I need is food, water, clothing and shelter. I like others think there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, add a big dollop of entitlement and you end up with the Osbourne's and Cameron's of the world. Isn't it time that independent schools share the good practise of inspiring pupils or is it a secret?pinkfluff

The School produced/turned out, polite, well educated, well spoken, confident and generally well behaved girls. Is that a bad thing?

I was schooled at Dines Green and Christopher Whitehead, did I want my children to follow me? Not in a million years thank you very much, I paid for a private education for both of my children to give them a better start in life than I had. What parent wouldn't want to do that?

The School produced/turned out, polite, well educated, well spoken, confident and generally well behaved girls. Is that a bad thing?
I was schooled at Dines Green and Christopher Whitehead, did I want my children to follow me? Not in a million years thank you very much, I paid for a private education for both of my children to give them a better start in life than I had. What parent wouldn't want to do that?W-B.......

Cazzz1 wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?

Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!!

That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street

I am sure they would not be able to build houses in its place as, I am certain, it is a listed building. The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities (where the present Infant's Facilities are). I still can't understand why it has come to the point of this sudden closure. Surely, this situation must have been prominent a long, long time ago, and if so, why was nothing done about it? Why do the pupils, once again, have to suffer for the inefficiencies of the adults? It is unbelievable that this could have happened. Well, the Grammar will be pleased with the sudden increase of pupil intake!

[quote][p][bold]Time vans[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]I'm_not_bitter[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Cazzz1[/bold] wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?[/p][/quote]Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!![/p][/quote]That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street[/p][/quote]I am sure they would not be able to build houses in its place as, I am certain, it is a listed building. The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities (where the present Infant's Facilities are). I still can't understand why it has come to the point of this sudden closure. Surely, this situation must have been prominent a long, long time ago, and if so, why was nothing done about it? Why do the pupils, once again, have to suffer for the inefficiencies of the adults? It is unbelievable that this could have happened. Well, the Grammar will be pleased with the sudden increase of pupil intake!anthony1a

Cazzz1 wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?

Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!!

That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street

I am sure they would not be able to build houses in its place as, I am certain, it is a listed building. The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities (where the present Infant's Facilities are). I still can't understand why it has come to the point of this sudden closure. Surely, this situation must have been prominent a long, long time ago, and if so, why was nothing done about it? Why do the pupils, once again, have to suffer for the inefficiencies of the adults? It is unbelievable that this could have happened. Well, the Grammar will be pleased with the sudden increase of pupil intake!

"The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities" That's a very specific and limiting suggestion isn't it? There are other things which can be done with listed buildings. (It's a Grade II building by the way). I would guess flats or apartments would make the most money. Because that's all the owners will be concerned with, isn't it? And our planning dept roll over for the most basic of applications...

[quote][p][bold]anthony1a[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Time vans[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]I'm_not_bitter[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Cazzz1[/bold] wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?[/p][/quote]Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!![/p][/quote]That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street[/p][/quote]I am sure they would not be able to build houses in its place as, I am certain, it is a listed building. The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities (where the present Infant's Facilities are). I still can't understand why it has come to the point of this sudden closure. Surely, this situation must have been prominent a long, long time ago, and if so, why was nothing done about it? Why do the pupils, once again, have to suffer for the inefficiencies of the adults? It is unbelievable that this could have happened. Well, the Grammar will be pleased with the sudden increase of pupil intake![/p][/quote]"The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities" That's a very specific and limiting suggestion isn't it? There are other things which can be done with listed buildings. (It's a Grade II building by the way). I would guess flats or apartments would make the most money. Because that's all the owners will be concerned with, isn't it? And our planning dept roll over for the most basic of applications...CJH

What a differenc a day makes. The report in todays Worcester News says that the school has around £700,000 of Debts. I think it would be fair to say the these did not suddenly appear from this years activities, so doesn't this suggest that the Board of Govenors would know, and if so had been less than business-like in the running of the school?
I hope also that a consortium of parents and businesses can agree a plan / scheme to resue this Excelent School.

What a differenc a day makes. The report in todays Worcester News says that the school has around £700,000 of Debts. I think it would be fair to say the these did not suddenly appear from this years activities, so doesn't this suggest that the Board of Govenors would know, and if so had been less than business-like in the running of the school?
I hope also that a consortium of parents and businesses can agree a plan / scheme to resue this Excelent School.Jabbadad

Cazzz1 wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?

Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!!

That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street

I am sure they would not be able to build houses in its place as, I am certain, it is a listed building. The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities (where the present Infant's Facilities are). I still can't understand why it has come to the point of this sudden closure. Surely, this situation must have been prominent a long, long time ago, and if so, why was nothing done about it? Why do the pupils, once again, have to suffer for the inefficiencies of the adults? It is unbelievable that this could have happened. Well, the Grammar will be pleased with the sudden increase of pupil intake!

&quot;The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities" That's a very specific and limiting suggestion isn't it? There are other things which can be done with listed buildings. (It's a Grade II building by the way). I would guess flats or apartments would make the most money. Because that's all the owners will be concerned with, isn't it? And our planning dept roll over for the most basic of applications...

It will be interesting to know who actually does own the buildings and the grounds. If St Mary's had been the owners then it is unlikely that they would have got themselves into the situation they are in now as they would have been able to borrow against their assets. My own gut feeling tells me that the owners are actually the catholic church or some other catholic organisation.

[quote][p][bold]CJH[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]anthony1a[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Time vans[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]I'm_not_bitter[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Cazzz1[/bold] wrote:
This is very sad news. I attended this school in the 70s and it had an excellent standard of education which I think has been maintained. What will happen to the lovely buildings and grounds?[/p][/quote]Start checking the planning applications! - 300 new houses? Transport problems? - will be ignored, as usual! Access? - no problem, the developer will bung a million for a roundabout and make it alright!![/p][/quote]That'll be interesting. Battenhall Avenue is a private street[/p][/quote]I am sure they would not be able to build houses in its place as, I am certain, it is a listed building. The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities (where the present Infant's Facilities are). I still can't understand why it has come to the point of this sudden closure. Surely, this situation must have been prominent a long, long time ago, and if so, why was nothing done about it? Why do the pupils, once again, have to suffer for the inefficiencies of the adults? It is unbelievable that this could have happened. Well, the Grammar will be pleased with the sudden increase of pupil intake![/p][/quote]"The best, I think, they could do is to make it into a Boutique Hotel with Spa Facilities" That's a very specific and limiting suggestion isn't it? There are other things which can be done with listed buildings. (It's a Grade II building by the way). I would guess flats or apartments would make the most money. Because that's all the owners will be concerned with, isn't it? And our planning dept roll over for the most basic of applications...[/p][/quote]It will be interesting to know who actually does own the buildings and the grounds. If St Mary's had been the owners then it is unlikely that they would have got themselves into the situation they are in now as they would have been able to borrow against their assets. My own gut feeling tells me that the owners are actually the catholic church or some other catholic organisation.Omicron

Jabbadad wrote:
What a differenc a day makes. The report in todays Worcester News says that the school has around £700,000 of Debts. I think it would be fair to say the these did not suddenly appear from this years activities, so doesn't this suggest that the Board of Govenors would know, and if so had been less than business-like in the running of the school?
I hope also that a consortium of parents and businesses can agree a plan / scheme to resue this Excelent School.

Of course this debt didn't suddenly appear, the school has been in financial difficulties for many years. The school relies heavily on financial support from the order of nuns which has not been forthcoming,instead they have pumped all the substantial money from sales of land and property in Battenhall to their mother school in France and to their retirement homes in Ireland. The sister school in Reading has also been well supported and is doing very well.The staff and pupils at St Mary's have had to put up with conditions that would not be tolerated in state schools, last winter for example there was no heating in parts of the main school as the boilers were beyond repair, the girls have had no shower facilities for years, and there are leaking roofs everywhere. The nuns were very much aware of ALL the problems but refused to help, insisting the school must pay.
The current board of Govenors have behaved in a most unprofessional manner, refusing to respond to requests from worried parents and staff for information and even as late as last week they were accepting payment from new parents into the nursery knowing full well those same parents would very soon have to start looking all over again. Staff were threatened with disciplinary action if news of the closure was leaked.
I expect all the buildings and land will be sold off as a job lot with the nuns and who ever sells it off ( maybe former board member Andrew Grant ) making a nice fat profit.

[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote:
What a differenc a day makes. The report in todays Worcester News says that the school has around £700,000 of Debts. I think it would be fair to say the these did not suddenly appear from this years activities, so doesn't this suggest that the Board of Govenors would know, and if so had been less than business-like in the running of the school?
I hope also that a consortium of parents and businesses can agree a plan / scheme to resue this Excelent School.[/p][/quote]Of course this debt didn't suddenly appear, the school has been in financial difficulties for many years. The school relies heavily on financial support from the order of nuns which has not been forthcoming,instead they have pumped all the substantial money from sales of land and property in Battenhall to their mother school in France and to their retirement homes in Ireland. The sister school in Reading has also been well supported and is doing very well.The staff and pupils at St Mary's have had to put up with conditions that would not be tolerated in state schools, last winter for example there was no heating in parts of the main school as the boilers were beyond repair, the girls have had no shower facilities for years, and there are leaking roofs everywhere. The nuns were very much aware of ALL the problems but refused to help, insisting the school must pay.
The current board of Govenors have behaved in a most unprofessional manner, refusing to respond to requests from worried parents and staff for information and even as late as last week they were accepting payment from new parents into the nursery knowing full well those same parents would very soon have to start looking all over again. Staff were threatened with disciplinary action if news of the closure was leaked.
I expect all the buildings and land will be sold off as a job lot with the nuns and who ever sells it off ( maybe former board member Andrew Grant ) making a nice fat profit.Justintime

The school buildings have a long history and prior to becoming a school was used as a Convellesent Home for injured soldiers from the First World War. I imagine the main building is likely to be Grade 1 listed and won't be an easy transition into flats. However, one solution to saving the school would be investment from China or Dubai. These countries know the value of independent education and I would have thought there would be an easier consortia from these countries rather than cash strapped Brits.

The school buildings have a long history and prior to becoming a school was used as a Convellesent Home for injured soldiers from the First World War. I imagine the main building is likely to be Grade 1 listed and won't be an easy transition into flats. However, one solution to saving the school would be investment from China or Dubai. These countries know the value of independent education and I would have thought there would be an easier consortia from these countries rather than cash strapped Brits.ACBLive

One other thought - St Mary's would make an ideal location as an already established religious centre for transition into a new Mosque for all the people of Worcester - it would then be preserved and looked after as it should be.
The present mosque in Worcester is very unattractive and a move to St. Mary's would make a lot of sense.

One other thought - St Mary's would make an ideal location as an already established religious centre for transition into a new Mosque for all the people of Worcester - it would then be preserved and looked after as it should be.
The present mosque in Worcester is very unattractive and a move to St. Mary's would make a lot of sense.ACBLive

ACBLive wrote:
The school buildings have a long history and prior to becoming a school was used as a Convellesent Home for injured soldiers from the First World War. I imagine the main building is likely to be Grade 1 listed and won't be an easy transition into flats. However, one solution to saving the school would be investment from China or Dubai. These countries know the value of independent education and I would have thought there would be an easier consortia from these countries rather than cash strapped Brits.

It's only grade II listed, (as mentioned in an earlier post - perhaps you could read them before giving out incorrect information), according to English Heritage.
.
Investment from China or Dubai? Blimey what fantasy world are you living in? I'm guessing it's Troll World isn't it? Because you've certainly lit enough blue touch papers to give some of our regular posters heart attacks...

[quote][p][bold]ACBLive[/bold] wrote:
The school buildings have a long history and prior to becoming a school was used as a Convellesent Home for injured soldiers from the First World War. I imagine the main building is likely to be Grade 1 listed and won't be an easy transition into flats. However, one solution to saving the school would be investment from China or Dubai. These countries know the value of independent education and I would have thought there would be an easier consortia from these countries rather than cash strapped Brits.[/p][/quote]It's only grade II listed, (as mentioned in an earlier post - perhaps you could read them before giving out incorrect information), according to English Heritage.
.
Investment from China or Dubai? Blimey what fantasy world are you living in? I'm guessing it's Troll World isn't it? Because you've certainly lit enough blue touch papers to give some of our regular posters heart attacks...CJH

Clearly CJH you're fresh out of ideas - but actually foreign investment in St.Marys would be a sound solution. Just look how many Chinese students there are in Malvern independent schools - not so far fetched then to make the next step and put out some feelers. However, there aren't many people thinking constructively - perhaps you could prove me wrong and take more of a lead!

Clearly CJH you're fresh out of ideas - but actually foreign investment in St.Marys would be a sound solution. Just look how many Chinese students there are in Malvern independent schools - not so far fetched then to make the next step and put out some feelers. However, there aren't many people thinking constructively - perhaps you could prove me wrong and take more of a lead!ACBLive

I agree with W-D - I went to a primary and a secondary school in the 1960's - did I want my daughter to be taught with the same attitudes of low expectation - er erm NO!!! However, I did give my daughter the option to choose her schools having never forced the decision by saying, "You're going here, take it or leave it!" We looked at a lot of schools both Primary and High and she made the choice - affording it was a constant challenge - by the way Squirrel, we don't smoke, drink or gamble. We all work hard, pay our taxes but received no discounts off our Council Tax because we weren't draining state school budgets!!! At sixth form stage- Worcester Sixth Form College (WSFC) suited my daughters high standards and aspirations. WSFC offers a fabulous all round (pre UNi) education. So Squirrel you're not going win this argument. Perhaps deep down you feel insecure and talking tough boosts your ego!!!

I agree with W-D - I went to a primary and a secondary school in the 1960's - did I want my daughter to be taught with the same attitudes of low expectation - er erm NO!!! However, I did give my daughter the option to choose her schools having never forced the decision by saying, "You're going here, take it or leave it!" We looked at a lot of schools both Primary and High and she made the choice - affording it was a constant challenge - by the way Squirrel, we don't smoke, drink or gamble. We all work hard, pay our taxes but received no discounts off our Council Tax because we weren't draining state school budgets!!! At sixth form stage- Worcester Sixth Form College (WSFC) suited my daughters high standards and aspirations. WSFC offers a fabulous all round (pre UNi) education. So Squirrel you're not going win this argument. Perhaps deep down you feel insecure and talking tough boosts your ego!!!ACBLive

ACBLive wrote:
Clearly CJH you're fresh out of ideas - but actually foreign investment in St.Marys would be a sound solution. Just look how many Chinese students there are in Malvern independent schools - not so far fetched then to make the next step and put out some feelers. However, there aren't many people thinking constructively - perhaps you could prove me wrong and take more of a lead!

Oh I think you're doing fine by yourself. Troll away...

[quote][p][bold]ACBLive[/bold] wrote:
Clearly CJH you're fresh out of ideas - but actually foreign investment in St.Marys would be a sound solution. Just look how many Chinese students there are in Malvern independent schools - not so far fetched then to make the next step and put out some feelers. However, there aren't many people thinking constructively - perhaps you could prove me wrong and take more of a lead![/p][/quote]Oh I think you're doing fine by yourself. Troll away...CJH

Jabbadad wrote:
What a differenc a day makes. The report in todays Worcester News says that the school has around £700,000 of Debts. I think it would be fair to say the these did not suddenly appear from this years activities, so doesn't this suggest that the Board of Govenors would know, and if so had been less than business-like in the running of the school?
I hope also that a consortium of parents and businesses can agree a plan / scheme to resue this Excelent School.

Of course this debt didn't suddenly appear, the school has been in financial difficulties for many years. The school relies heavily on financial support from the order of nuns which has not been forthcoming,instead they have pumped all the substantial money from sales of land and property in Battenhall to their mother school in France and to their retirement homes in Ireland. The sister school in Reading has also been well supported and is doing very well.The staff and pupils at St Mary's have had to put up with conditions that would not be tolerated in state schools, last winter for example there was no heating in parts of the main school as the boilers were beyond repair, the girls have had no shower facilities for years, and there are leaking roofs everywhere. The nuns were very much aware of ALL the problems but refused to help, insisting the school must pay.
The current board of Govenors have behaved in a most unprofessional manner, refusing to respond to requests from worried parents and staff for information and even as late as last week they were accepting payment from new parents into the nursery knowing full well those same parents would very soon have to start looking all over again. Staff were threatened with disciplinary action if news of the closure was leaked.
I expect all the buildings and land will be sold off as a job lot with the nuns and who ever sells it off ( maybe former board member Andrew Grant ) making a nice fat profit.

During the Autumn Term 2013, parents were asked to attend a meeting about their daughters going on a Middle School Choir trip to Normandy France to sing to the Nuns at the sister house. Total cost £485.00 which many parents have paid in good faith. Money taken from parents with the knowledge that the school had been close to closing at the end of the previous academic year. Does anyone know if the trip was ever booked, if not what has the money been used for and why are the school refusing to the refund the money to the parents.

[quote][p][bold]Justintime[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jabbadad[/bold] wrote:
What a differenc a day makes. The report in todays Worcester News says that the school has around £700,000 of Debts. I think it would be fair to say the these did not suddenly appear from this years activities, so doesn't this suggest that the Board of Govenors would know, and if so had been less than business-like in the running of the school?
I hope also that a consortium of parents and businesses can agree a plan / scheme to resue this Excelent School.[/p][/quote]Of course this debt didn't suddenly appear, the school has been in financial difficulties for many years. The school relies heavily on financial support from the order of nuns which has not been forthcoming,instead they have pumped all the substantial money from sales of land and property in Battenhall to their mother school in France and to their retirement homes in Ireland. The sister school in Reading has also been well supported and is doing very well.The staff and pupils at St Mary's have had to put up with conditions that would not be tolerated in state schools, last winter for example there was no heating in parts of the main school as the boilers were beyond repair, the girls have had no shower facilities for years, and there are leaking roofs everywhere. The nuns were very much aware of ALL the problems but refused to help, insisting the school must pay.
The current board of Govenors have behaved in a most unprofessional manner, refusing to respond to requests from worried parents and staff for information and even as late as last week they were accepting payment from new parents into the nursery knowing full well those same parents would very soon have to start looking all over again. Staff were threatened with disciplinary action if news of the closure was leaked.
I expect all the buildings and land will be sold off as a job lot with the nuns and who ever sells it off ( maybe former board member Andrew Grant ) making a nice fat profit.[/p][/quote]During the Autumn Term 2013, parents were asked to attend a meeting about their daughters going on a Middle School Choir trip to Normandy France to sing to the Nuns at the sister house. Total cost £485.00 which many parents have paid in good faith. Money taken from parents with the knowledge that the school had been close to closing at the end of the previous academic year. Does anyone know if the trip was ever booked, if not what has the money been used for and why are the school refusing to the refund the money to the parents.wellieboots

ACBLive wrote:
I agree with W-D - I went to a primary and a secondary school in the 1960's - did I want my daughter to be taught with the same attitudes of low expectation - er erm NO!!! However, I did give my daughter the option to choose her schools having never forced the decision by saying, &quot;You're going here, take it or leave it!" We looked at a lot of schools both Primary and High and she made the choice - affording it was a constant challenge - by the way Squirrel, we don't smoke, drink or gamble. We all work hard, pay our taxes but received no discounts off our Council Tax because we weren't draining state school budgets!!! At sixth form stage- Worcester Sixth Form College (WSFC) suited my daughters high standards and aspirations. WSFC offers a fabulous all round (pre UNi) education. So Squirrel you're not going win this argument. Perhaps deep down you feel insecure and talking tough boosts your ego!!!

Good for you. You wanted the best for your daughter and you were able to provider her with a superb education. You worked hard and didn't smoke, drink or gamble. I genuinely think that's fantastic. Like I said in a post elsewhere, I believe we would all send our children to private school if we could afford it - myself included. The state system is an extremely tough place in which to excel - and it was probably a lot better in the 1960s.

If I'm 'talking tough' it's because I'm struggling to sympathise with the plight of some of society's wealthiest and privileged families. Is that bitter or insecure? Maybe. I'm sure there are plenty of other people that work hard, don't smoke, drink or gamble and are still nowhere near affording the £9000+ per annum for a school place. I invite you to reflect for a moment on how fortunate you are to afford the fees and have the choice and freedom in your school selection.

[quote][p][bold]ACBLive[/bold] wrote:
I agree with W-D - I went to a primary and a secondary school in the 1960's - did I want my daughter to be taught with the same attitudes of low expectation - er erm NO!!! However, I did give my daughter the option to choose her schools having never forced the decision by saying, "You're going here, take it or leave it!" We looked at a lot of schools both Primary and High and she made the choice - affording it was a constant challenge - by the way Squirrel, we don't smoke, drink or gamble. We all work hard, pay our taxes but received no discounts off our Council Tax because we weren't draining state school budgets!!! At sixth form stage- Worcester Sixth Form College (WSFC) suited my daughters high standards and aspirations. WSFC offers a fabulous all round (pre UNi) education. So Squirrel you're not going win this argument. Perhaps deep down you feel insecure and talking tough boosts your ego!!![/p][/quote]Good for you. You wanted the best for your daughter and you were able to provider her with a superb education. You worked hard and didn't smoke, drink or gamble. I genuinely think that's fantastic. Like I said in a post elsewhere, I believe we would all send our children to private school if we could afford it - myself included. The state system is an extremely tough place in which to excel - and it was probably a lot better in the 1960s.
If I'm 'talking tough' it's because I'm struggling to sympathise with the plight of some of society's wealthiest and privileged families. Is that bitter or insecure? Maybe. I'm sure there are plenty of other people that work hard, don't smoke, drink or gamble and are still nowhere near affording the £9000+ per annum for a school place. I invite you to reflect for a moment on how fortunate you are to afford the fees and have the choice and freedom in your school selection.thesquirrel

Fortunate of Stupid??!! Why pay when I could abdicate responsibility to others and get my daughters education for free. So in our case it was an ambition long before our daughter was born (23 years ago) and we had to set ourselves targets and goals. First we found a really good registered childminder who back then charged £1.60 an hour (21 years ago).Maternity leave back then was only 3 months. Then we found a day nursery which evolved, by chance into an independent school up to the age of seven. In itself, even if my daughter had then gone into the state sector at High school, she would have had a really good start. Back then, the nursery school fees were around £300 a term. Thereafter it got more expensive to around £1200 a term at junior school level (+7). The point i'm making is that its not £9000 straight away. It starts off much lower and then you have time to decide whether you keep going, how hard you will have to work, support from grandparents and other family members and whether it continues into sixth form when it becomes £9000. Its a frame of mind. You either give up the cigarettes, 9 pints of bitter a night, no big holidays, no nasty habits like Cannabis smoking or running unprofitable businesses, you have to put your child above self and make huge sacrifices. I was standing in a queue in Tesco the other day and man at the front spent £80 on cigarettes. That £80 a week can buy a lot of education at pre-school, nursery and primary stage. You either consciously decide you're going o do it or not. We did. Our daughter chose where she wanted to go. We stepped up, made lots of sacrifices. However, I would say this ~ going to an independent school hasn't made my daughter the person she is. Her own values and experiences of life have made her the person she is. I remember a conversation I had with an independent school teacher a few years ago where I asked why did girls appear to achieve better results, was it the money ~ and the reply was "No, but the girls know how hard their parents are working for them and the sacrifices they're making for them and this is a natural instinct to put in the time and commitment that this opportunity brings. How many parents who smoke, drink and indulge in other self interests, could, if they planned it, at least make some effort, even if it was just from toddler, nursery to primary level. How many parents know where their children are tonight? or even care? Its about choices. You either stop whinging and make the effort or you don't. Your future is in your hands. What are you going to do about it?

Fortunate of Stupid??!! Why pay when I could abdicate responsibility to others and get my daughters education for free. So in our case it was an ambition long before our daughter was born (23 years ago) and we had to set ourselves targets and goals. First we found a really good registered childminder who back then charged £1.60 an hour (21 years ago).Maternity leave back then was only 3 months. Then we found a day nursery which evolved, by chance into an independent school up to the age of seven. In itself, even if my daughter had then gone into the state sector at High school, she would have had a really good start. Back then, the nursery school fees were around £300 a term. Thereafter it got more expensive to around £1200 a term at junior school level (+7). The point i'm making is that its not £9000 straight away. It starts off much lower and then you have time to decide whether you keep going, how hard you will have to work, support from grandparents and other family members and whether it continues into sixth form when it becomes £9000. Its a frame of mind. You either give up the cigarettes, 9 pints of bitter a night, no big holidays, no nasty habits like Cannabis smoking or running unprofitable businesses, you have to put your child above self and make huge sacrifices. I was standing in a queue in Tesco the other day and man at the front spent £80 on cigarettes. That £80 a week can buy a lot of education at pre-school, nursery and primary stage. You either consciously decide you're going o do it or not. We did. Our daughter chose where she wanted to go. We stepped up, made lots of sacrifices. However, I would say this ~ going to an independent school hasn't made my daughter the person she is. Her own values and experiences of life have made her the person she is. I remember a conversation I had with an independent school teacher a few years ago where I asked why did girls appear to achieve better results, was it the money ~ and the reply was "No, but the girls know how hard their parents are working for them and the sacrifices they're making for them and this is a natural instinct to put in the time and commitment that this opportunity brings. How many parents who smoke, drink and indulge in other self interests, could, if they planned it, at least make some effort, even if it was just from toddler, nursery to primary level. How many parents know where their children are tonight? or even care? Its about choices. You either stop whinging and make the effort or you don't. Your future is in your hands. What are you going to do about it?ACBLive

I have been very supportive of St Mary's school (the Convent School) however when I see the cynical comments of ACBLive assuming that everybody other than those who have children at private school by saying "You either give up the cigarettes, 9 pints of bitter a night, no big holidays, no nasty habits like Cannabis smoking or running unprofitable businesses, have had to put your children first and make huge sacrifices" are that they are the only parents who make daily decisions which put their childrens welfare and education first. The majority of parents have to make decisions about where the family income is spent, the main difference is the ammount of family income,
Many parents on low incomes with children in State education have aslo daily decisions to make with possibly much lower incomes, and not over Beer , Holidays, fags, etc but food , elctricity, clothing, frequently from Charity shops etc . So please no tears we all have to make decisions in favour of our children that is what being a parent means. My son also went to University initionally at the family expense after Blair stopped Student Grants and added Student Fees, we didn't bleat about it, just acted like parents not Martyrs, and got on with it, and now some 12 years on he is still paying the Taxpayer back each month, and he doesn't ask for pity. Private education (which this country needs as well as State Education) is a privilege which is available to some not all, and is rationed by the disposable income available. And as parents you do get several ammounts of help from the government by tax releif etc.
Surely questions should be directed to those who allowed the finances of St Mary's to get into such a shocking state.
And playing devils advocate, does this mean that the parents of any child who was educated during these years of losses, be in some way Culpable for not having paid sufficient education fees??

I have been very supportive of St Mary's school (the Convent School) however when I see the cynical comments of ACBLive assuming that everybody other than those who have children at private school by saying "You either give up the cigarettes, 9 pints of bitter a night, no big holidays, no nasty habits like Cannabis smoking or running unprofitable businesses, have had to put your children first and make huge sacrifices" are that they are the only parents who make daily decisions which put their childrens welfare and education first. The majority of parents have to make decisions about where the family income is spent, the main difference is the ammount of family income,
Many parents on low incomes with children in State education have aslo daily decisions to make with possibly much lower incomes, and not over Beer , Holidays, fags, etc but food , elctricity, clothing, frequently from Charity shops etc . So please no tears we all have to make decisions in favour of our children that is what being a parent means. My son also went to University initionally at the family expense after Blair stopped Student Grants and added Student Fees, we didn't bleat about it, just acted like parents not Martyrs, and got on with it, and now some 12 years on he is still paying the Taxpayer back each month, and he doesn't ask for pity. Private education (which this country needs as well as State Education) is a privilege which is available to some not all, and is rationed by the disposable income available. And as parents you do get several ammounts of help from the government by tax releif etc.
Surely questions should be directed to those who allowed the finances of St Mary's to get into such a shocking state.
And playing devils advocate, does this mean that the parents of any child who was educated during these years of losses, be in some way Culpable for not having paid sufficient education fees??Jabbadad

ACBLive says...
"You either give up the cigarettes, 9 pints of bitter a night, no big holidays, no nasty habits like Cannabis smoking or running unprofitable businesses, you have to put your child above self and make huge sacrifices."

Wow. I find it very odd that the prevailing belief in this comments thread is that if you cannot afford to send your children to private school then you must be one or all of the following:
a. Drunk
b. Druggie
c. On holiday
d. Delboy
e. Selfish.

The fundamental reason that people do not send their children to private school is simply because they do not earn enough money.
The fact that some people here are so quick to believe that the working class would have enough money to send their kids to private school if they gave up all those vices, that they all apparently must have, is so ignorant it defies belief.

ACBLive says...
"You either give up the cigarettes, 9 pints of bitter a night, no big holidays, no nasty habits like Cannabis smoking or running unprofitable businesses, you have to put your child above self and make huge sacrifices."
Wow. I find it very odd that the prevailing belief in this comments thread is that if you cannot afford to send your children to private school then you must be one or all of the following:
a. Drunk
b. Druggie
c. On holiday
d. Delboy
e. Selfish.
The fundamental reason that people do not send their children to private school is simply because they do not earn enough money.
The fact that some people here are so quick to believe that the working class would have enough money to send their kids to private school if they gave up all those vices, that they all apparently must have, is so ignorant it defies belief.mistercatesby

I was responding to the cynicism of The Squirrel who like most socialists, still believes the world owes him/her a living. It's about making choices (if you can) but independent education isn't for everyone but the choices are there from nursery age up to sixth form. Educating a child independently has become a generational concept. If you want that for your child then you'll have to strive and make the sacrifices - if you can't or don't want to, that's your choice. In our case, we made our child education plans long before conception (about four years in fact) We're certainly not rich and had all the problems that other parents have, but then having been the product of the 'political football' education was under Labour in the 1960's I vowed to do better. Every generation tries improve life for the next - well some do - but perhaps not those spending £80 on cigarettes or two bags of Cannabis or a bottle of Brandy a day or 9 pints of lager a night - for those people they can only be thinking of themselves rather than their children - was the actual point I was making. Give yourself COPD through tobacco and alcohol misuse or use all your money on your family.

I was responding to the cynicism of The Squirrel who like most socialists, still believes the world owes him/her a living. It's about making choices (if you can) but independent education isn't for everyone but the choices are there from nursery age up to sixth form. Educating a child independently has become a generational concept. If you want that for your child then you'll have to strive and make the sacrifices - if you can't or don't want to, that's your choice. In our case, we made our child education plans long before conception (about four years in fact) We're certainly not rich and had all the problems that other parents have, but then having been the product of the 'political football' education was under Labour in the 1960's I vowed to do better. Every generation tries improve life for the next - well some do - but perhaps not those spending £80 on cigarettes or two bags of Cannabis or a bottle of Brandy a day or 9 pints of lager a night - for those people they can only be thinking of themselves rather than their children - was the actual point I was making. Give yourself COPD through tobacco and alcohol misuse or use all your money on your family.ACBLive

For readers who don't know what COPD stands for - It's Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - caused solely by smoking and makes your lungs look like a Chocolate Chip Cookie - makes you short of breath and a very nasty, phlegm rattling cough that worsens with age - not pleasant for children or family to witness.

For readers who don't know what COPD stands for - It's Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - caused solely by smoking and makes your lungs look like a Chocolate Chip Cookie - makes you short of breath and a very nasty, phlegm rattling cough that worsens with age - not pleasant for children or family to witness.ACBLive

Britt Coley wrote:
Please let old girls come to the last assembly it would be grate to sing the school hymn for on least time

Great

Oh no not that dirge.

[quote][p][bold]Geva[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Britt Coley[/bold] wrote:
Please let old girls come to the last assembly it would be grate to sing the school hymn for on least time[/p][/quote]Great[/p][/quote]Oh no not that dirge.Geva

ACBLive wrote:
My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.

Really ? That is not the experience of most former pupils and staff. GCSE and A level results went down year on year under her &quot;leadership" and she treated her staff very poorly. It is also worth noting that she was not a qualified teacher, but led everyone to believe that she was. I am sure I speak for many when I say that working for her was one of the most uninspiring experiences of my life.

All emotion aside I started in Kindergarden in 1955 and was there through A Levels . It was a wonderful atmosphere , I made good friends and in the last four years enjoyed being there. We had an inspirational History Teacher , Anne Crawley , our Art Teacher , Mrs Croft was a joy and how can one fully appreciate the joy of the New Library and our English Literature lessons with Sister Calista ?. We came through with confidence , some of it unfounded . The Sisters were very good at extracting money from parents . There's a lot we don't know about how the school came to fail and without understanding what went wrong one cannot correct .
Having foolishly recently donated to the Old Girls it would have been nice to get an email about the closing . A great many of us live abroad and do not often read the Worcester News .

[quote][p][bold]A teacher[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]ACBLive[/bold] wrote:
My daughter went to St Mary's and I would like to use this opportunity to thank the former Headmistress, Susan Cookson who led the school effectively in a way that benefited both staff and pupils.[/p][/quote]Really ? That is not the experience of most former pupils and staff. GCSE and A level results went down year on year under her "leadership" and she treated her staff very poorly. It is also worth noting that she was not a qualified teacher, but led everyone to believe that she was. I am sure I speak for many when I say that working for her was one of the most uninspiring experiences of my life.[/p][/quote]All emotion aside I started in Kindergarden in 1955 and was there through A Levels . It was a wonderful atmosphere , I made good friends and in the last four years enjoyed being there. We had an inspirational History Teacher , Anne Crawley , our Art Teacher , Mrs Croft was a joy and how can one fully appreciate the joy of the New Library and our English Literature lessons with Sister Calista ?. We came through with confidence , some of it unfounded . The Sisters were very good at extracting money from parents . There's a lot we don't know about how the school came to fail and without understanding what went wrong one cannot correct .
Having foolishly recently donated to the Old Girls it would have been nice to get an email about the closing . A great many of us live abroad and do not often read the Worcester News .Geva